Ruben Amorim got Manchester United fans back on their feet with his tactical deftness against Bournemouth, but the absence of the Africa Cup of Nations raises new questions, writes Dan Khan…

When I walk around Manchester I often meet Manchester United fans and we always end up chatting about what they think of the club’s performance.

After drab performances against Everton and West Ham, a gentleman in my barbershop last week – a season ticket holder in the Stretford Stand – told me he just wanted to see United “go all out” and perform well. that’s all.

Although the draw against Bournemouth extended their run of form to just two wins in seven games, the overall performance left most fans leaving Old Trafford satisfied with what they had witnessed..

You can explain why United were able to score a hat-trick in the first half by looking at metrics like expected goals and shots on goal, but it wasn’t just about keeping their supporters happy.

Right back Leny Yoro looked rejuvenated after returning to the wing, showing aggression and pressing high.

Eden Paradise and Luke Shaw, a centre-back pairing I didn’t think I’d write about, echo that aggression, while Mason Mount looks more like a player United will sign from Chelsea in July 2023.

That’s the difference: the Amorim team’s intent. This is the response of the home fans and what Amorim asks of his players. To show that aggression, win the duel and give the Old Trafford fans a show, they did their duty despite ultimately being disappointed in sharing the points.

Sunday, December 21, 3:30 pm

Starts at 4:30 pm

It’s impossible to disguise the ease of some of Bournemouth’s goals, but perhaps context is needed to explain United’s defensive woes in recent weeks.

Amorim told us after the game that he didn’t see the need for a heavy investment in defense and that his players have characteristics that better improve and defend as a team.

It’s easy to forget that Manchester United lost their best defender of the season in Matthijs de Ligt. As well as two other potential starters: Harry Maguire and Nussel Mazraoui.

Lisandro Martinez once again made a cameo appearance as a substitute but understandably looked rusty after recovering from a knee injury that has sidelined him since February.

With defensive issues looming large, it’s also important to focus on the area that most urgently needs improvement over last season: goals.

United were one of the lowest-scoring teams in the division last season and, of course, spent hundreds of millions of pounds to solve that problem by signing Brian Mbemo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Cescó.

But even with such firepower, the new front three started only three Premier League games due to untimely injuries to Cunha and Cesco.

All things considered, if you were to say that at this point United would find themselves sixth, two points below the top four and the second-highest scoring team in the division, you’d think it wouldn’t be all bad for a team still struggling.

Amad-shaped hole during the Africa Cup of Nations

Despite being positive about what’s to come, I can’t help but feel frustrated with Amorim.

Not that he needs sympathy after his performance or result against Bournemouth, not that he showed he can flex his system when often accused of the opposite, and certainly not that United were the better team but once again failed to take the lead.

I’m frustrated for Amorim because just as we’ve finally seen his side produce their best attacking and entertaining home performance under him, apart from the game against Brighton this season, he’s now waved goodbye to two of his star attacking players, Mbomo and Amad Diallo, as they Depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Neither we nor Amorim will see a United team with this pace or attacking threat again for at least a month until both players return.

Amorim will welcome Sesco back into the matchday squad, and he could easily slot into Mbeumo’s position alongside Cunha, but he has struggled immensely with how to balance the right wing, which was used so effectively against Bournemouth with the pace and combination of Mbeumo and Amad.

How does he fill this hole? There is no direct answer.

The immediate thought is that if Yoro continues at right-back, Diogo Dalot may be the most natural position as a makeshift winger, with Patrick Dolgu at left-back, but when both started the season, United often looked stiff in attack.

Perhaps, a potential solution may emerge. If Bruno Fernandez moves up front, Mainu might get more game time, or he might even find himself on the right side of the narrow midfield diamond.

Manu has yet to start a league game this season but made a 30-minute cameo against Bournemouth and could replace the suspended Casemiro against Aston Villa.

The Brazilian’s absence adds another headache, with Amorim without his midfield enforcer against a Villa side in such good form. Fans will also be watching Amorim’s use of academy products.

The likes of Shay Lacey and Jack Fletcher are likely to find themselves on the bench in the coming weeks, but will Amorim feel comfortable enough to turn to them? So far, the answer is no.